Rights for schools performances of School of Rock—The Musical have been made available, free of charge, with immediate effect to enable academic institutions in the U.K. and Ireland to create and perform their own productions of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical that opened on Broadway in 2015 and in the West End in November.
According to a press statement, the announcement demonstrates the composer's ongoing commitment to promoting the arts and music in schools and the positive impact this has on children. He has stated, "Bringing School of Rock to the stage has been one of the most joyous experiences of my career. The show combines my love of rock music with a story that exemplifies my long held belief that music can change young people’s lives in a hugely positive way, and I’m delighted that we are able to make our schools licence so quickly available. I encourage teachers and their students to pick up their instruments, get going on the script and show the world everything they’ve got to give.”
In an interview with The Times of London, he pointed out that the convention has been that schools are not allowed to perform musicals until they finish their commercial run. He told the paper, “I think that’s rubbish. That never added up to me. It’s a no-brainer. School of Rock is about kids making music. Let’s get on with it. You have to get music back into everybody’s DNA again.”
He further stated that New York once again has the creative edge over the West End in terms of musical theatre. “I think the pendulum regarding musical theatre has switched firmly back to New York. There is no question that it’s much more active." He cited the fact that 14 new musicals are scheduled to open on Broadway in the current season that runs through next May. In London he counted just three. “What have we really got coming? A lot of revivals.”
The rights, free for school productions, will include education packs and music materials. For further information visit schoolofrockthemusical.co.uk/schools.
LOVE SCHOOL OF ROCK? CHECK OUT THE MERCHANDISE AT THE PLAYBILL STORE!
